certainly have a good deal of assurance, young man," said the old
gentleman in a tone of reproof. "If I were in this gentleman's place I
would summon a policeman at once."

"I prefer to give the boy a chance," said Robinson, who had his own
reasons for not bringing the matter to the knowledge of the police. "I
don't want to get him into trouble. I only want my money back."

"You are more considerate than he deserves," said Andy's critic. "And by
the way, here is the hotel detective. Officer, will you come here,
please? Here is a case that requires your attention."

The hotel detective, a quiet-looking man, approached.

Robinson was far from thanking the old gentleman for his officiousness.
He feared recognition.

"What is the matter?" asked the detective, coming up and eying Robinson
sharply.

The old gentleman volunteered an explanation.

The detective seemed amused.

"So this man charges the boy with robbing him?" he asked.

"Yes, sir; and we all believe that he has good grounds for doing so."

"I don't believe it," said the gentleman who had already spoken for
Andy.

"What have you to say, my boy?" asked the detective, turning to Andy.

"Only that I made the acquaintance of this man on the train. He induced
me to go to a small hotel on the outskirts of the city, on the ground
that I could board there cheaply. What I saw and heard there excited my
suspicions, and I left the place without his knowledge."

"Taking my pocketbook with you. I incautiously laid it on the bed. When
I went up later I found that it and you had disappeared."

"Do you hear that, officer?" asked the old gentleman, triumphantly.

"I do," answered the detective. Then, turning to Robinson with a change
of tone, he asked:

"How did you get so much money, Tom Maitland?"

Robinson turned pale. He saw that he was recognized.

"I will let the matter drop," he said. "I don't want to get the boy into
trouble."

He turned toward the door, but the detective was too quick for him.

"You will have to go with me," he said. "You have been trying a bold
confidence game. I shall have to lock you up."

"Gentlemen," said Robinson, turning pale, "will you permit this
outrage?"

"It is an outrage!" said the old gentleman, hotly.

"My friend," inquired the detective, "do you know this man?"

"No; but--"

"Then let me introduce him as Tom Maitland, one of the cleverest
confidence men in Chicago."

He produced a pair of handcuffs, which